the elusive cloud gardens

For year’s I’ve been hearing about the *magical* Cloud Gardens Conservatory. Located in downtown Toronto, Ontario, it’s elusiveness is mainly a result of limited hours of operation. Only open to the public between 9am to 5pm on weekdays, it can be hard to find an opportunity to go if you don’t work or live nearby. Luckily, I was able to schedule in a recent visit.

What is a cloud garden, you might ask? In a nutshell, it’s small greenhouse that maintains the conditions of a rainforest (think wet and humid). It’s filled with ferns, palms, and other exotic plants and has a walkway that goes upwards… making you feel like you’re in the clouds! Doesn’t it sound dreamy?

One of my favorite parts of the visit was feeling like I was in a tropical jungle… A nice break from this winter weather. But the best part, by far, was recognizing plants that I currently own and seeing their full growth potential. If only I could maintain 85% humidity in my apartment. My hair would be a disaster, but at least my plants would be happy.

Perhaps you’ll see it for yourself one day (after all, it’s described as “a true urban oasis” by the City of Toronto). But just in case you never make it, I hope this video will help you feel like you’re in the clouds!